Common Carcinogens

Carcinogen Classifications

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Monographs, part of the WHO, classify carcinogens in several ways. The classification is based on how much evidence links a substance or behavior to increased cancer risk.

Tobacco

It doesn't matter whether you're a smoker or breathing in someone else's smoke. At least 70 chemicals in tobacco are known to cause cancer by damaging your DNA.

Smokeless tobacco may seem safer, but it can lead to cancer, too. Even light smoking raises your risk, so talk to your doctor about ways to quit.

Radon

This gas occurs in small amounts in nature, where it's harmless. But if it builds up indoors and you breathe it in, radon breaks down the lining of your lungs.

It's the No. 1 cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers. You can't see or smell radon, but a special test can check the levels in your home. Some state radon offices and county health departments offer kits for free.

Asbestos

The tough, tiny fibers in asbestos help strengthen products such as roof shingles, ceiling tiles, and car parts. Yet if these fibers break free and you breathe them in, they can get lodged inside your lungs.

Studies of people and animals have shown that asbestos is a carcinogen. If you come into contact with it at your job, wear protective gear. If it's in your home and needs to be removed, hire an expert.

Arsenic

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element in our environment that usually has no smell or taste. We take in small amounts of arsenic by breathing air, eating food, and drinking water. But some forms of arsenic are linked to cancer, including combinations of arsenic and non-carbon elements. These compounds can damage DNA and interfere with DNA repair, leading to cancer.

Harmful forms of arsenic can be found in some lumber products, but their use was mostly stopped in 2003. If you're concerned about arsenic exposure at home, such as in wooden decks or children's toys, contact an expert or the manufacturer. Wear the required personal protective equipment if your workplace may be exposed to arsenic.

Crispy, Brown Foods

When some vegetables, such as potatoes, are heated to high temperatures, they can give off a chemical called acrylamide. Studies show that rats who took in acrylamide in their drinking water got cancer, so researchers think humans might also.

You can cut the amount you eat by baking, roasting, frying, and toasting foods until they're a tan color instead of golden or deep brown. Acrylamide is also found in many products you buy as well as in tobacco smoke.

Formaldehyde

From plywood to some fabrics, this chemical is used in many household products. Studies on lab rats and people who are around formaldehyde at their jobs show it can cause cancer.

Before buying any wood products or furniture for your home, find out if they contain formaldehyde. Look for wood products labeled as TSCA Title VI compliant by the Environmental Protection Agency. Air out your house every day, and keep humidity levels low with an air conditioner or dehumidifier.

Ultraviolet Rays

Studies show that ultraviolet (UV) rays, whether from the sun or a tanning bed, get absorbed into your skin and damage the cells there. Most skin cancer cases are due to UV rays.

Pollution and climate change make these rays stronger. To stay safe, protect your skin with sunscreen, wear a hat and sunglasses, and avoid tanning salons.

Radiation Exposure

Radiation comes in many forms, such as sunlight and the heat released by our bodies. Exposure to certain types of radiation can increase cancer risk. For example, ionizing radiation has enough energy to separate an electron from an atom or a molecule. Ionizing radiation can cause DNA damage inside cells, which may lead to cancer. 

You can be exposed to ionizing radiation through X-rays, ultraviolet (UV) rays, and cancer radiation treatment. Radiation exposure can also happen at your job. For instance, you may be exposed to radiation if you work at a nuclear power plant, veterinary facility, medical office, or in air travel. Follow protection guidance at your workplace, including wearing required personal protective equipment.

Children are more vulnerable to increased cancer risk from radiation exposure from X-rays. But for most people, increased cancer risks from dental or medical X-rays are very low. Long periods of radiation therapy for cancer can also cause cancer, but this can take several years or more.

Do cell phones cause cancer?

Although cell phones emit radiation, it's non-ionizing radiation. That means the radiation that cell phones give off, also called radio frequency energy, doesn't release enough energy to damage DNA.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies radiofrequency radiation as possibly carcinogenic; however, the classification is based on findings from animal studies. More research in humans is needed.

The FDA and other health groups like the National Cancer Institute state that there's no clear evidence that cell phones increase the risk of cancer in people. A recent review of studies in humans also found that it isn't likely that radiofrequency radiation increases cancer risk.

Alcohol

The more alcohol you drink, the greater your odds of getting certain kinds of cancers, such as:

• Head and neck
• Esophageal
• Breast
• Liver
• Colorectal

The culprit may be acetaldehyde, a toxic chemical that can damage DNA and proteins. Acetaldehyde is probably carcinogenic and is produced when your body breaks down the ethanol in alcohol. Another possible reason is carcinogenic chemicals produced when beer, wine, and hard liquor are made. Experts suggest women have no more than one drink each day and men no more than two.

Processed Meat

Bacon, salami, pepperoni, sausage — any meat that's been preserved or flavored can raise your chances of getting colon cancer. This conclusion comes from over 800 studies.

Eating a hot dog every once in a while is fine, but limit the amount of processed meat you have as much as you can. Try to limit foods that have been salted, fermented, cured, or smoked.

Preservatives and Other Food Additives

More than 10,000 chemicals are allowed to be used in food sold in the U.S. Many of these chemicals may be harmful to your health or linked to an increased cancer risk. 

Some chemicals that help foods stay fresh longer, or that give foods their color, texture, or flavor are carcinogenic. These chemicals can interfere with how your body regulates hormones, which can lead to breast and prostate cancers. Other chemicals can damage DNA or cause changes in how genes are expressed. 

When you can, avoid the below ingredients:

• Potassium bromate
• Propylparaben
• Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)
• Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)
• Titanium dioxide
• Seven artificial dyes (Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, and Green 3)
• Aspartame
• Azodicarbonamide (ADA)
• Propyl gallate
• Sodium benzoate
• Sodium nitrate
• Methylene chloride, trichloroethylene and ethylene dichloride

Engine Exhaust

Trucks, buses, trains, and even some cars run on diesel fuel. The gas and soot in diesel engine exhaust are believed to cause lung cancer and other types of cancer.

When you can, avoid idling in traffic or spending time next to diesel-run vehicles. If it's part of your job, follow workplace safety guidelines to protect your health.

Pollution

Aside from exhaust, polluted outdoor air contains dust and traces of metals and solvents that can lead to cancer. Experts know this from looking at data from over 1.2 million people across the U.S.

You can't avoid common carcinogens in pollution, but you can do your part to help reduce it. For example, you can avoid adding to pollution by walking or biking instead of driving. Also, follow local public health warnings and stay indoors on days when air quality is bad.

How to Avoid Exposure to Carcinogens

It may not be possible to completely avoid common carcinogens, but you can take some steps to protect yourself. The following tips may help reduce your exposure: 

• Choose plant-based whole foods, including known cancer-fighting foods such as fiber, legumes, fruits, and vegetables. 
• Choosing organic produce may help reduce your exposure, but more evidence is needed. 
• Limit alcohol.
• Quit smoking and other tobacco use. 
• Protect yourself from UV rays by avoiding tanning beds, using sunblock, and wearing protective clothing.
• Use personal products free of potential carcinogens.
• Follow safe workplace practices.
• Avoid adding to pollution by walking or biking instead of driving.
• Try not to idle in traffic or linger next to diesel-run vehicles.

Takeaways

A carcinogen is something that can cause you to have cancer. It may be a substance in the air, a product you use, a chemical in foods and drinks, or something you're exposed to at work. Common carcinogens can trigger changes in your genetic makeup that can lead to cancer, but exposure doesn't mean you'll get cancer. You can’t avoid all carcinogens, but there are ways to protect yourself.

Carcinogens FAQs

How do you remove carcinogens?

Eating cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, may help your body detoxify carcinogens. 

What do you mean by carcinogenesis?

Carcinogenesis is the process that normal cells go through when they become cancer cells. 

The four stages of carcinogenesis are tumor initiation, tumor promotion, malignant conversion, and tumor progression. 

What is the basic mechanism of carcinogenesis?

Carcinogenesis can happen when a carcinogen damages DNA or cells that usually repair DNA damage. This damage can lead to mutations that change how genes guide your cells. Cells could be instructed to multiply uncontrollably, creating cancerous tumors.